Two Runners At Windsor

There are four flat cards to keep us entertained this afternoon at Ayr, Thirsk, Wolverhampton and Windsor, while there is also a mixed card in Ireland at Ballinrobe which also (unsurprisingly) has by far the most prize money on offer.  The stable has two runners on the level at Windsor this evening - Purple 'N Gold and Togiak both run in the 1m2f handicap at 7.40pm.  Purple 'N Gold (pictured above) has been in good form since being claimed having won on the level and also over hurdles at Uttoxeter - he certainly looks like a shrewd purchase.  James Doyle takes the ride this evening while Cathy Gannon is aboard Togiak.

It's the final day of our enforced jumps sabatical today with National Hunt racing starting up again tomorrow and I for one cannot wait!  There will be two meetings at Worcester and Stratford - a bit close together but on this occasion I won't complain.  Much as I enjoy the flat, it cannot compete with the jumps in terms of a spectacle.  You also get to know the jumps horses better than the flat ones as they are generally around for much longer than their flat contemporaries.

*****

I have often said that Richard Hughes and Richard Hannon are the combination to follow at Windsor and followers of that theory were certainly rewarded yesterday when the champion jockey rode a fantastic five-timer...no one rides the course better.

*****

Following a good day in the cricket, England are 8/11 to win the fourth Test at Durham.  Ian Bell has been in magnificent form with an innings of 105 not out.  If we score another 70 I think we will get the win - the pitch doesn't look too good and they are going to get some funny bounces over the last couple of days.

*****

Dufner wins the USPGA golf...he doesn't look like your typical sporting superstar.  He is a little bit overweight and showed no emotion at all (and his name sounds like what I do to a golf ball)!